Obaseki: We’ve caged the lions of Edo politics — they’ll never be seen again

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, says his re-election has sent the “lions and tigers into the zoo” to be caged permanently from Edo politics.

Obaseki spoke on Monday in Benin while addressing supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Kings square shortly after a victory match around Benin city.

He secured 307,955 votes to defeat Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 223,619 votes.

The governor won in 13 local government areas while Ize-Iyamu, his closest challenger, won in five.

The governor was accompanied by Philip Shaibu, his deputy; Dan Orbih, chairman of Edo PDP campaign council, Ogbeide Ihama, house of representative member, among others.

He gave an assurance that nothing would deter him from delivering the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.

“The message of Saturday’s governorship election means I should go and work for Edo people. It is clear, the Edo people have spoken loud and clear,” he said.

“You have helped me caged the lions and tigers in the State, you will never see them again in Edo because they are all in the zoo now where they belong.

“Today, I promise you that we will work for Edo people because no one will hinder us from delivering the dividend of democracy to Edo people.

“My deputy, Philip Shaibu, and I will go back to the office and work for Edo people. I want to thank everyone residing in the state; you spoke and we have heard you and ready to ever work for you.

“The next four years in the state will be the one that all citizens will live to remember as we will consolidate on our developmental achievements in the State. Thank you all.”

On his part, Orbih said the victory shows Edo people have rejected godfatherism and money-bag politics.

“With your support and votes, you have started a new dawn in Edo politics, Nigeria’s democracy and by extension, that of the state will never remain the same again as Obaseki’s re-election has ended godfatherism in the state,” he said.

“Obaseki’s re-election has shown that Edo people are wiser, and the state is in the path of development as the people have spoken loudly and have finally silenced godfatherism in Edo politics.”